Hua Bolin naturally had to pay his respects to his mother as well. Hua Zhi couldn’t bear to part with him, so she simply went along with him.
The lady of the house shed a flood of tears, holding her daughter with one hand and her son with the other, looking them over left and right, her heart swelling with joy. With her husband’s return on the horizon, the Hua family’s reputation soaring, her daughter outstanding, and her son brilliant, who in the capital didn’t envy her now?
They stayed to have dinner with their mother, coaxing her into beaming with delight, before the siblings took their leave.
Strolling along the covered corridor, Hua Bolin sighed regretfully, “I had hoped to return in time for this year’s Lock Hall Examination, but I ended up missing it.”
Hua Zhi was surprised. “When did you get this idea?”
“I’d had it even before I set out on my travels last year.” Hua Bolin stared at his toes. Though he was younger and hadn’t read as many classics as his elders, he had been taught by his elder sister, who excelled at quoting ancient texts and was never one for rote learning. Influenced by her, he had been praised by his tutors for his essays and analytical skills. He had even discussed taking the Lock Hall Examination with his tutor, who had supported the idea.
He hadn’t aimed for instant success—he simply wanted the world to know that the Hua family still had capable men, that he, Hua Bolin, wasn’t a coward hiding behind his elder sister. He wanted to share some of her burden.
But he had missed his chance.
Hua Zhi flicked her brother’s forehead, her smile radiant. Having raised him herself, how could she not understand his thoughts? “With the new emperor’s ascension and everything in need of revival, it’s quite possible an additional special examination will be held next year. You can prepare for that.”
Hua Bolin’s eyes lit up. Indeed, it wasn’t uncommon in their dynasty for a new emperor to hold special examinations. With another year, he could prepare even more thoroughly!
“Berlin, what are your thoughts on the future?” Sitting on the soft cushion laid out by her maid, Hua Zhi patted the spot beside her, signaling her brother to sit.
Hua Bolin, bursting with things to say to his elder sister, immediately sat down and eagerly shared his plans. “I want to enter the Hanlin Academy.”
“Why? Because you’re a son of the Hua family?”
“Yes, because I’m a son of the Hua family. Though a son shouldn’t speak of his father’s faults, Father truly isn’t suited for the officialdom. If Grandfather steps down, I fear Father won’t be able to fill his shoes. If another uncle takes over, not only would Father lose face, but he might not withstand the blow. I want to strive hard and enter the Hanlin Academy as soon as possible. With two pairs of eyes, we could cover more ground.”
“Berlin, you overestimate yourself and underestimate Father.” Hua Zhi turned to gaze at the half-moon, its light shimmering. “Father may lack tact, but the Hanlin Academy doesn’t require it. If he weren’t suitable, Grandfather wouldn’t have chosen him over Fourth Uncle.”
Hua Bolin was taken aback. Was that how it was?
Hua Zhi smiled, propping her head on her hand. “When the Hua family returns, they will surely be reinstated to their positions. With Grandfather and Father in the Hanlin Academy, that’s enough. Though everyone knows the Hanlin Academy is the Hua family’s domain, there’s no need for all of us to crowd into it.”
“Where does Elder Sister think I should go?”
“What about Jin Yang?” Hua Zhi turned back, moonlight seeming to dance in her eyes, sparkling brilliantly. “Restoring a hollowed-out minor capital to its former prosperity—don’t you think that’s a challenge worth taking?”
Hua Bolin was a young man, and one who looked up to his elder sister as his leader. Stirred by her words, all other thoughts vanished from his mind. He must go to Jin Yang!"Elder Sister, I wish to go to Jin Yang."
Hua Zhi's smile grew even more radiant as she pinched her younger brother's cheek, which had lost all traces of childishness after his journey. Jin Yang hadn't changed because of her, yet it was through her actions that the illusion of prosperity had been shattered. She had once considered waiting until Little Six's situation stabilized before revealing how she and Yan Xi had intercepted the silver. She understood Yan Xi well—knowing he held no attachment to high positions and had long wished to step aside for more capable people. Once this matter came to light, without any further action on their part, the officials would seize upon it to launch fierce criticisms. Then, when Yan Xi submitted his resignation, Little Six would find it difficult to retain him. Moreover, by voluntarily offering this vulnerability, Yan Xi would allow Little Six to feel more at ease.
Though completely stepping down might be impossible, requesting a transfer to Jin Yang should be feasible.
She wanted to contribute modestly to Jin Yang's revitalization—a thought she had never shared with anyone, yet one she genuinely intended to pursue.
However, the present circumstances made it difficult. For at least three to four years, neither she nor Yan Xi could leave the capital.
It was a pity Berlin was still too young. Next year he would only be thirteen. Even if he truly passed the imperial examinations, given his age, his responsibilities would be limited, and he wouldn't be entrusted with major authority.
"Work hard toward your goal. In your free time, you can seek out Zhu Ling—he formerly served as Jin Yang's deputy magistrate. And Xu Ze—he has been in Jin Yang since beginning his official career and knows the place better than anyone." After a moment's thought, Hua Zhi added, "Since you've resolved to follow this path, I must prepare for you early. I'll ask him later if he'd be willing to serve as your advisor."
"Does Elder Sister think highly of him?"
"There are many with ambitions yet unrealized, but it's rare to find someone who, after years of frustration, still has light in their eyes. Such individuals usually possess strong convictions, remarkable resilience, and a steadfast heart. Only people like that can go far." Watching her brother listen intently, Hua Zhi smiled. "Berlin, you must learn how to manage subordinates. From now on, come to me for an hour of instruction daily."
"Yes, Elder Sister."
"Also, maintain an appropriate distance from the Crown Prince. I'm not saying you should alienate him, but remember—he is no longer just Little Six."
Berlin pressed his lips together and nodded. "Yes, Elder Sister, I understand."
The next morning, the siblings entered the palace together.
The Crown Prince was delighted to see Berlin after such a long absence. He strode over quickly and personally helped the kneeling youth to his feet, clapping him heartily on the shoulder. "You've finally returned! Is everything there running smoothly now?"
"Yes, I've taught them all they need to know. We just need to wait for the salt fields to expand, and salt production will increase. By year's end, the output should become quite substantial."
The Crown Prince was overjoyed. This was a significant accomplishment achieved through his efforts. If successful, all the people of Daqing would benefit—how could he not be happy?
Turning to the Grand Tutor, the Crown Prince asked expectantly, "Have those salt merchants been dealt with?"
"It's still too early. Wait until they've exhausted themselves with their schemes—then dealing with them will be much easier. There's no need to confront them head-on now when they've just formed an alliance. Their coalition won't last long."
"Right. This is precisely when they're gathering strength to oppose the court. There's no need to challenge them now. Let's wait and see who endures longer—them or me."
The use of "me" instead of his personal name made Berlin glance up at his former childhood companion who'd once shared a bed with him. Things had truly changed. Little Six was the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince was more than just Little Six. Elder Sister was right.Hua Zhi nodded with satisfaction at Little Six's quick reaction. She had once urged the late emperor to deal with the salt merchants so he wouldn't have time to scheme against her and Yan Xi. But now that Little Six occupied that position, her strategy naturally changed. Engaging in a war of attrition with that temporary alliance was most appropriate.
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